14 STEM Summer Camps in North Carolina for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 11 min read
For middle schoolers looking to explore advanced academics in a structured experience, STEM summer camps are a strong option. These camps help you build practical skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking while introducing you to STEM applications and potential career paths. Many programs are hosted by universities or established organizations, allowing you to learn from experienced mentors and connect with peers, often at a lower cost than long-term academic programs.
What STEM summer camps are available for high school students in North Carolina?
North Carolina is home to major research universities, strong engineering programs, and a growing technology and biotech ecosystem, making it a great location to explore STEM during the summer. If you’re interested in science, technology, engineering, or math, STEM summer camps offer a focused way to gauge your interests in a practical environment. To help you navigate these opportunities, we’ve narrowed down a list of the 14 best STEM summer camps in North Carolina for middle school students.
Location: Multiple sites across eastern North Carolina, including NC State University (GTC) and East Carolina University–affiliated facilities
Cost / Stipend: Varies by camp; many programs are free or low-cost due to special funding | Fees for students outside designated service areas
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective
Program dates: June – July; varies by camp
Application deadline: Typically mid-May
Eligibility: Primarily rising grades 6 – 12
The ECU–NC State K–12 Outreach Summer Camps are a collection of in-person STEM programs designed to provide you with hands-on exposure to high-demand academic and career pathways. Depending on the camp you choose, you can explore areas such as veterinary science, health sciences, engineering, mathematics, financial literacy, sports science, and interdisciplinary STEM. Programs emphasize active learning through labs, demonstrations, projects, and career-focused activities led by university faculty and trained educators. Many camps are offered at little to no cost thanks to regional funding, making them accessible options for students interested in STEM careers. Several programs specifically serve students from eastern North Carolina counties, while still allowing participation from outside the region for an added fee. By participating, you gain practical experience, career awareness, and early exposure to university-level STEM environments.
Location: Virtual
Cost / Stipend: Varies by track and cohort; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective; one-on-one mentorship model
Program dates: Eight-week cohorts offered multiple times throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 8 | Strong academic curiosity and motivation
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an eight-week virtual research camp designed to introduce you to structured, mentor-guided academic inquiry. In this program, you work one-on-one with a mentor from a top research university such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, or LSE. During the first four weeks, you explore several topics within your chosen track to build foundational knowledge and refine your interests. In weeks five and six, you conduct a deeper investigation into one selected topic, strengthening subject-matter understanding and analytical skills. The final two weeks focus on developing and completing a capstone project with close mentor support. By the end of the program, you will have produced a polished project while gaining experience in research, critical thinking, and independent learning.
Location: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC
Cost / Stipend: Varies by camp; some programs free or low-cost; scholarships available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Many camps are selective; limited cohort sizes
Program dates: Summer sessions between June and July; schedules vary by camp
Application deadline: Varies by camp
Eligibility: Middle school students, typically grades 6 – 8 | Requirements vary by camp
NC A&T Summer STEM Camps offer a range of in-person programs designed to introduce you to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on learning. Hosted by one of the nation’s leading HBCUs for STEM education, these camps allow you to explore topics such as engineering design, computer science, robotics, agriculture, and applied sciences. You will participate in interactive labs, group projects, and problem-solving activities that emphasize applications of STEM concepts. Many camps are led by university faculty, graduate students, and industry partners, providing mentorship and exposure to college-level academic environments. Select programs include career exploration sessions and opportunities to collaborate with peers on team-based challenges. Through these immersive experiences, you gain foundational STEM skills while learning in a supportive, university-based setting.
Location: Virtual
Cost / Stipend: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective
Program dates: Spring cohort: 25 hours over 10 weeks (weekends) | Summer cohort: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines throughout the year. You can apply here.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 with an interest in computer science or artificial intelligence
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers is a project-based virtual camp that introduces you to foundational concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over the course of the program, you learn Python basics and explore key topics such as data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. Instruction combines live lectures with collaborative group sessions, allowing you to engage actively with both mentors and peers. You apply your learning through hands-on projects, including building machine learning models to classify music genres or designing algorithms that generate customized educational recommendations. The small student-to-mentor ratio ensures consistent feedback and individualized academic support. By the end of the camp, you will have gained practical experience with AI tools and a clearer understanding of how machine learning is used in real-world applications.
Location: North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Durham, NC and Morganton, NC (day options in Hickory, NC)
Cost / Stipend: $495 – $1,495 for rising grades 7–9 courses; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective; limited seats per course with rolling admissions
Program dates: Summer sessions between June and August; schedules vary by course
Application deadline: Opens in December; rolling review
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7 – 9 | Strong academic interest in STEM
The Summer Accelerator program is a rigorous STEM-focused summer camp designed to help you explore advanced academic topics in a collaborative and engaging environment. Offered by NCSSM, the program allows you to enroll in specialized STEM courses taught by scientists, university professors, engineers, and other industry professionals. You learn alongside peers through projects, problem-solving, and case studies that connect STEM concepts to everyday challenges. Programs are available in residential, day, and online formats, giving you flexibility while maintaining academic depth. Beyond coursework, the camp offers optional afternoon and evening activities focused on leadership, mindfulness, and skill-building for future academic success. By the end of the program, you will have gained exposure to advanced STEM learning while building independence, confidence, and meaningful academic connections.
Location: Fusion Academy, Charlotte, NC
Cost / Stipend: $649 – $899 per week; varies by course
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Open enrollment
Program dates: June 15 – July 31; weekly sessions
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Students ages 6 – 14 | Middle school tracks available for grades 6 – 8
Camp Tech Revolution is a week-based, in-person STEM camp that allows you to explore technology and engineering through hands-on, project-driven learning. You can choose from a range of tracks, including robotics, coding, game design, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and digital media, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests and skill level. Instruction emphasizes experiential learning, with campers building projects such as robots, apps, games, and digital creations using industry-relevant tools. The program is taught by instructors using proprietary curricula designed to support beginners as well as more advanced students. Small group sizes ensure close supervision and regular feedback throughout the week. You will complete tangible projects and develop practical STEM skills while learning in a structured, supportive environment.
Location: Davidson College, Davidson, NC
Cost / Stipend: $649 – $899 per week; varies by course | Annual registration fee applies
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Open enrollment
Program dates: June 8 – July 31; weekly sessions
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Students ages 6 – 14 | Middle school tracks available for grades 6 – 8
Camp Tech Revolution at Davidson College is a week-based, in-person STEM camp that lets you explore technology and engineering topics through hands-on, project-driven instruction. You can choose from weekly tracks such as robotics, coding, game design, Minecraft/Roblox development, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, digital art, filmmaking, and STEM-and-medicine themes. Each week emphasizes experiential learning, where you build tangible projects like coded games, apps, robots, or digital creations using structured curricula designed for different skill levels. The program runs on the Davidson College campus, giving you a taste of campus life while you work in STEM-focused learning spaces and collaborate with peers. Small group sizes support close supervision and consistent feedback from instructors as you progress through projects. You’ll leave with completed work products and strengthened skills in problem-solving, computational thinking, and applied STEM.
Location: University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
Cost / Stipend: $250 – $450 per week; some camps include additional fees such as an $85 kit or dining fee
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Limited seats by camp
Program dates: Weekly sessions from June 8 – August 7
Application deadline: Registration opens January 27 (public) and January 26 (returning campers and UNC Charlotte affiliates); open until filled
Eligibility: Rising grades 5 – 8 | Some STEM sections limited to rising grades 6 – 8
49er Minors is a week-by-week, in-person summer camp series that lets you explore STEM through hands-on, skills-based classes on a university campus. You can focus on robotics (including LEGO Robotics and intermediate Robotics 201), coding (such as video game design, Minecraft/Roblox-focused builds, virtual reality, and beginner Python/AI themes), and applied science options like “The Science Behind CSI” or marine science. Several offerings emphasize engineering design and making, such as building a take-home radio-controlled car, working with robotics kits, or exploring “Electric Engineering Creations”. You practice real problem-solving rather than only completing worksheets, learning in a supportive environment led by subject-matter instructors, with activities designed to help you build practical technical skills and confidence over a full week. Because each camp runs independently, you can stack multiple weeks to explore different STEM areas or return to a theme at a higher level. To enroll, you (and your parent/guardian) need to complete the required Camper Safety & Medical Information application before registration.
Location: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Cost / Stipend: Starting at $1,099 per week
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Open enrollment
Program dates: June 15 – July 24; weekly sessions
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; first-come, first-served
Eligibility: Students ages 7 – 17 | Middle school tracks available for ages 10 – 12
iD Tech’s STEM summer camps at UNC–Chapel Hill are immersive, week-long programs that allow you to explore coding, robotics, game development, artificial intelligence, and digital design on a top-tier university campus. You can choose from a range of courses, including Python coding, Minecraft and Roblox development, BattleBots® robotics with VEX, mobile app design, and introductory AI and machine learning. Instruction is led by trained tech mentors from leading universities, with a focus on hands-on projects such as building games, programming robots, or creating 3D-printed designs. Each session blends structured learning with campus life, giving you time to collaborate with peers and participate in outdoor activities between lessons. Both day and overnight options are available, depending on age and preference. You’ll leave with completed projects and a clearer understanding of how computer science and engineering concepts apply in real-world settings.
Location: Elise Middle School, Moore County Schools, North Carolina
Cost / Stipend: $195 per week; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective
Program dates: June 17 – 20 (Week One) | June 24 – 27 (Week Two)
Application deadline: Lottery registration opens in February and closes April 1
Eligibility: Current students in grades 2 – 8
The Moore County Schools STEM Camp is a two-week, in-person summer program designed to give you broad exposure to real-world STEM applications through hands-on learning. During the camp, you work with cutting-edge technologies, participate in interactive activities, and engage directly with professionals currently working in STEM careers. The program also includes field trips that allow you to see STEM careers in action, helping you connect classroom concepts to workplaces. Instruction is led by the Moore County Schools Digital Literacy and STEM team, with programming that emphasizes exploration, problem-solving, and curiosity rather than acceleration. Past camp themes have included aviation and biomedical science through partnerships with organizations such as the Moore County Airport and FirstHealth. Because demand is high, admission is determined through a lottery process, making early application essential.
Location: Downtown Raleigh, Raleigh, NC
Cost / Stipend: $430 | $400 for Friends of the Museum members
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective; capped at 16 students per session
Program dates: July 6 – 10
Application deadline: Registration opens February 4
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 – 12
Code Your Own Adventure is a week-long, in-person computer science camp that introduces you to programming through creative game design. During the program, you build a fantasy-style adventure video game from scratch using Processing, a Java-based programming language commonly used for visual and interactive projects. You will learn core coding fundamentals while exploring introductory 3D modeling and 3D printing techniques. The camp emphasizes hands-on creation, allowing you to design characters, environments, and gameplay mechanics driven by your own ideas. As a takeaway project, you receive a custom 3D-printed flash drive holder to continue working on your code after the camp ends. You will leave the camp with a completed game project and a practical foundation in computer science concepts.
Location: Blue Jay Point County Park, Raleigh, NC
Cost / Stipend: $750; need-based scholarships available upon request
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective; limited to 16 campers
Program dates: July 13 – 18
Application deadline: Open; reviewed until spots are filled
Eligibility: Girls entering grades 6 – 8
Girls in Science Ed-venture is a week-long, residential STEM summer camp designed to immerse you in hands-on scientific exploration in natural environments. Throughout the program, you investigate North Carolina’s ecosystems through guided hikes, lake and forest fieldwork, and outdoor experiments that emphasize observation and inquiry. You will participate in behind-the-scenes experiences with museum scientists, gaining exposure to scientific research and conservation work. The camp combines field trips, laboratory-style activities, and direct interaction with professionals to help you understand how science is practiced outside the classroom. Living on-site allows you to collaborate closely with peers who share similar interests while developing independence and teamwork skills. The camp is designed to help you gain a deeper appreciation for environmental science and clearer insight into potential STEM career pathways.
Location: Antioch Elementary School and British International School, Charlotte, NC
Cost / Stipend: Varies by camp; $10 sibling discount and $10 multi-session discount available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Limited enrollment per camp
Program dates: Multiple week-long sessions from mid-June through late July
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; early registration recommended
Eligibility: Students in grades 4 – 7 | Grade ranges vary slightly by camp
Terrific Scientific! offers a wide range of in-person STEM summer camps that allow you to explore science, engineering, and technology through hands-on, themed experiences. You can choose from coding and game design camps such as JavaScript Studio, RPG Game Maker, and Minecraft Modding, as well as robotics and engineering options like 3D Printing, Quadcopter Aerial Robotics, and Robot Engineer. Science-focused camps cover topics including AI innovation, forensic science, kitchen chemistry, marine science, and biomedical themes like Surgeon’s Apprentice and Vet Ventures. Each camp emphasizes active learning through experiments, design challenges, and creative projects rather than lecture-based instruction. Camps run during standard school-day hours, with optional pre- and post-care available for families who need extended coverage. By selecting one or multiple sessions, you can explore different STEM disciplines while building practical skills and discovering new interests in a supportive environment.
Location: Durham, NC
Cost / Stipend: $340 (members) | $375 (general public) + $10 materials fee
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Limited enrollment; small-group, hands-on instruction
Program dates: June 29 – July 3
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment until filled
Eligibility: Girls in grades 6 – 8
Minecraft Code Builders: Girls Only is an in-person STEM camp designed to introduce you to computer science through collaborative game-based learning. Using Minecraft: Education Edition, you learn how to engineer and modify your own virtual worlds by writing code in block-based programming, JavaScript, and Python. The camp emphasizes creativity and problem-solving as you manipulate game mechanics and experiment with coding concepts in a familiar environment. You also explore the real-world side of game development by learning about influential female video game developers and their career paths. Instruction is project-driven, allowing you to see immediate results of your code inside Minecraft. The camp teaches you foundational programming skills while building confidence in a supportive, girls-only learning environment.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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